24 April 2006
Abu Dhabi: Marine experts from around the world will converge on the capital to discuss the status and conservation of dugongs of the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and western Indian Ocean next month.According to the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (E-AD), which has been undertaking studies on dugongs in the UAE since 1999, the agency will host a three-day symposium, Status and Conservation of Dugongs of the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, from May 29.
Local, regional and international marine environmentalists will attend the symposium. E-AD studies present the UAE with a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the conservation of these mammals in the region.
The dugong, an endangered marine mammal that belongs to the order Sirenia, has a wide range of distribution that covers almost 37 countries and territories and includes tropical and subtropical coastal and inland waters.
A significant portion of the world's dugongs is found in the Arabian Gulf. Other important areas of dugong occurrence include the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.
By Nissar Hoath
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
